Advocacy

Join CANSA in Supporting Universal Health Coverage Day

12.12.14: CANSA has joined more than 500 global organisations from 100 countries around the world to launch the first-ever Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December 2014.

This historic coalition marked the anniversary of a landmark UN resolution urging all countries to provide universal access to health care without financial hardship and calls for universal health coverage to be a cornerstone of the sustainable development agenda and a priority for all nations.

No one should fall into poverty because they get sick and need health care. Universal health coverage is essential for making progress and for creating a fairer, more resilient society.

Universal Health Coverage Day is spearheaded by The Rockefeller Foundation, and encourages organisations from all corners of the globe, to display a prominent sign of support for Universal Health Coverage Day.

“The need for equitable access to quality health care has never been greater, and there is unprecedented demand for universal health coverage around the world,” said Michael Myers, Managing Director of The Rockefeller Foundation. “Universal health coverage is an idea whose time has come – because health for all saves lives, strengthens nations and is achievable and affordable for every country.” CANSA encourages our partners to do so too – download toolkit here…

What is Universal Health Coverage?

Each year 1 billion people can’t afford a doctor, can’t pay for medicines or can’t access other essential care without risking impoverishment.

CANSA Roundtable Discussion on UHC Day

CANSA hosted a roundtable discussion on 12 December 2014 with stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), Pfizer, National Health Laboratory Service (inclusive of the National Cancer Registry), Diabetes Association of South Africa, Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Childhood Cancer Foundation (CHOC).

This roundtable discussion focussed on universal health coverage issues, such as Barriers and opportunities for advancing Universal Health Coverage; the role of civil society in making health for all a reality and Universal Health Coverage & Non-Communicable Diseases in the post-2015 development agenda, to name a few.

Delegates identified the successful introduction of a workable national health insurance system in South Africa to provide essential care for all without the risk of impoverishment as a critical element. The importance of the following issues were also identified – public private collaboration in health; migration of health personnel; early detection and screening; availability of palliative care and knowledge by all of the Patients’ Rights Charter.

Celebrate UHC Day Every Year

On 12 December 2012, the United Nations unanimously endorsed universal health coverage. Starting this year, join us every 12 December to celebrate progress toward health for all and hold leaders accountable.